Facebook in hot water

These are the headlines we are tracking for you in this episode of On the News Line:

Facebook in hot water

The implications of a revelation that Facebook abused user data during 2016 US presidential election are growing by the day. Facebook chairman Mark Zuckerberg did apologize for letting a British data analysis firm access users’ data. But the social network has over the past days seen thousands of subscribers delete their profiles. To the same effect, the value of Facebook shares has been plunging in markets. It appears that the life of one of the world’s biggest social media giant is already at risk. This, as a result of a huge privacy breach that many believe helped US President Donald Trump take office.

US slaps tariffs on China

The United States and China seem to be on a collision course. Tensions are mounting between the two sides over a number of disputes. US relations with self-ruled Taiwan are perhaps the most serious bone of contention. A major Chinese newspaper has called on Beijing to prepare for military action in response to a newly approved law in the United States that seeks to boost ties with Taiwan. The daily has also asked the Chinese government to pressure Washington by reviewing cooperation on North Korea. China has been infuriated by the Taiwan Travel Act recently endorsed by President Donald Trump. The law authorizes high level visits to the self-ruled island. The Chinese President recently warned that any attempt to divide China will be thwarted. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway region that must one day be reunited with the mainland. Beijing has never ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. The Chinese government has long voiced concern about the growing trade and military ties between the US and Taiwan